Zolpidem: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug Zolpidem?

What is Zolpidem for?

Zolpidem is a drug with a function to treat sleep problems (insomnia) in adults. If you have trouble sleeping, this medication will help you fall asleep faster, so you can rest better at night. Zolpidem belongs to a category of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. Work on your brain to produce a calming effect.

Treatment using this medication is usually limited to periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less.

The zolpidem dosage and the side effects of zolpidem are described further below.

How do I use Zolpidem?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Read the medication instructions and, if available, the patient information leaflet provided by the pharmacist before using zolpidem and each time you refill. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once at night. Since zolpidem works fast, drink it when you are going to sleep. Do not take this medicine with or after meals as it will not work quickly.

Do not take a dose of this medication unless you have at least 7 to 8 hours of full sleep. If you have to wake up before this time, you may experience some memory loss and will have problems doing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. (see Precautions section).

The dosage is based on your gender, age, medical condition, other drugs you are taking, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it more than the recommended time. Don't drink more than 10 milligrams a day. Women are usually prescribed a lower dose because the drug leaves the body more slowly than men. Older people are usually given a lower dose to lower the risk of side effects.

This drug can cause addictive reactions, especially if used routinely for a long time or at high doses. In some cases, symptoms of addiction (such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, restlessness, tremors) can occur if the drug is stopped suddenly. To prevent this reaction, your doctor may reduce your dose slowly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and report immediately if there is an addiction reaction

Along with its benefits, this drug can in rare cases be addictive. This risk is more likely to occur if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Use this medication as recommended to reduce the risk of addiction.

When this medicine is used for a long period of time, it may not work as well as before. Talk with your doctor if this drug stops working.

Tell your doctor if your condition remains the same after 7 to 10 days, or if it gets worse. You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after stopping your medication. This is called rebound insomnia and is normal. Usually it will disappear after 1-2 nights. If these effects persist, contact your doctor.

How do I store Zolpidem?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Zolpidem dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Zolpidem for adults?

For the treatment of insomnia:

Oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):

Adults - 6.25 milligrams (mg) (for women) or 6.25 or 12.5 mg (for men) once a day before bed. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, don't take more than 12.5 mg per day.

Older adults — 6.25 mg once a day before bed

For oral dosage form (tablets):

Adults - 5 milligrams (mg) for women and 5 or 10 mg for men once a day before bed. Your doctor will increase your dose as needed. However, don't drink more than 10 mg per day.

Older adults — 5 mg once a day before bed

What is the dosage of Zolpidem for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is Zolpidem available?

Zolpidem is available in the following dosages.

6.25 mg tablet; 12; 5 mg

Zolpidem side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Zolpidem?

Zolpidem can cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop using zolpidem and seek medical help immediately if you experience an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: depression, anxiety, aggression, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, memory problems, personality changes, taking risks, decreased self-control, no fear of harm, or thinking of committing suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using zolpidem and contact your doctor immediately, if you experience:

• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath;
• Breathing or swallowing problems; or
• Feel you are going to pass out.

Common side effects include:

• Daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling floating or lightheadedness;
• Feeling tired, loss of coordination;
• Blocked nose, dry mouth, irritation of the nose or throat;
• Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset; or
• Headache, muscle pain.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Zolpidem Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Zolpidem?

In deciding to use this drug, the risks of using the drug must be weighed carefully with the benefits that will be obtained later. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this remedy, here's what you need to consider:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had any different reactions or are allergic to this or any other medicine. And tell your doctor if you have certain allergies, such as to food, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the labels or ingredients on the packaging carefully.

Children

Further studies have not been carried out on the relationship between age and the effect of zolpidem in the pediatric population. Safety and success have not been proven.

Elderly

Research conducted to date has not shown specific problems in elderly patients regarding the limited use of zolpidem for the elderly. However, confusion, dizziness, and falls are more common in the elderly, who are more sensitive to the effects of zolpidem than in young adults.

Is Zolpidem safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk, B = not at risk in several studies, C = May be risky, D = There is positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = Unknown

Zolpidem Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Zolpidem?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although several drugs should not be used simultaneously, in other cases two different drugs may be used simultaneously even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may change the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Using this medication with any of the following drugs is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this drug or change some of the medicines you have used.

• Sodium Oxybate

Using this medication with any of the following drugs is usually not recommended, but may be needed in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or reduce the frequency with which one or both drugs are used.

• Alprazolam
• Buprenorphine
• Buspirone
• Butabarbital
• Carbamazepine
• Carbinoxamine
• Ceritinib
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Chlorpromazine
• Clarithromycin
• Clonazepam
• Clorazepate
• Cobicistat
• Crizotinib
• Dabrafenib
• Dexmedetomidine
• Diazepam
• Diphenhydramine
• Doxylamine
• Eslicarbazepine Acetate
• Estazolam
• Eszopiclone
• Ethchlorvynol
• Fentanyl
• Flumazenil
• Flurazepam
• Phospropofol
• Halazepam
• Hydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Hydroxyzine
• Idelalisib
• Lorazepam
• Meclizine
• Meprobamate
• Methadone
• Midazolam
• Mitotane
• Morphine
• Morphine Sulfate Liposome
• Nilotinib
• Oxazepam
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone
• Pentobarbital
• Phenobarbital
• Piperaquine
• Prazepam
• Primidone
• Promethazine
• Propofol
• Quazepam
• Ramelteon
• Secobarbital
• Siltuximab
• Suvorexant
• Tapentadol
• Temazepam
• Thioridazine
• Triazolam
• Zaleplon

Using this medication with one of the following drugs will increase your risk of certain side effects, but taking the two drugs at the same time may be the best treatment for you. If both drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of use of one or both drugs.

• Bupropion
• Ciprofloxacin
• Desipramine
• Fluvoxamine
• Ketoconazole
• Perampanel
• Rifampin
• Sertraline
• St. John's Wort
• Telaprevir
• Venlafaxine

Can food or alcohol interact with Zolpidem?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Zolpidem?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Alcohol abuse or have a history
• Have a history of drug abuse or dependence — there may be dependence on zolpidem
• Depression or have a history of depression
• Lung disease or other breathing problems
• Mental illness or have a history of the disease
• Myasthenia gravis (muscle disease) or
• Sleep apnea (breathing problems during sleep) —Use with caution. Can make conditions worse.
• Liver disease — Use with caution. High levels of blood pressure by zolpidem can lead to an increased risk of side effects.

Zolpidem overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Symptoms of overdose include;

• Sleepy
• Coma (loss of consciousness over a period of time)
• Slow breathing or slow heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.